Spitting Image

Spitting Image is an edgy satirical puppet show that was aired on BritBox from 1984 to 1996. This politically charred entertainent show marks a wild ride in the realm of puppetry, blending it with character comedy and political satire to create a unique spectacle. Facing no obstacles when tackling controversial and taboo subjects, Spitting Image swiftly became infamous due to its irreverent humor, political savagery, and unique subversive voice.

As the title suggests, the programme makes use of caricatured puppets as its primary tool of satire. These puppets, fascinating and grotesquely designed, mimic the likeness of the biggest public figures of the time, including politicians, royalty, celebrities, and sportspersons. Seamlessly blending the surreal with the real, Spitting Image offers a mirror to society, presenting a comically exaggerated image of the world we live in, and the characters who embody it.

The creation of Peter Fluck and Roger Law, Spitting Image is revered for its incredibly uncanny puppet designs and the clever scripting that powers it. It is an unflinchingly daring show that takes parody to another level, reflecting national and international affairs through a sharp, humor-filled lens that often leaves viewers both shocked and amused. Well-known faces from the political sphere, show business, and even the royal household find themselves as targets of the show's brand of irreverent humor.

In the world of Spitting Image, no figure of importance escapes unscathed. Everyone from then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher to US President Ronald Reagan and Queen Elizabeth II became the focus of the show's mockery. The puppets' hyperbolic appearances often echo their real-life personas exaggerated for comic effect or to emphasize certain traits. Perhaps, the most famous example is Margaret Thatcher being portrayed as a bossy and domineering leader with a man's voice, often dressed in a man's suit and tie.

The beauty of Spitting Image lies not just in its shocking imitations and wacky humor, but also in its timely scripts and razor-sharp critique of political maneuverings, policies, and current events. The show explores some of the most important events and controversies of the time, such as the miner's strike, the Falklands War, and the economic challenges faced by Britain and the world, all served with a substantial side of humor.

Unlike traditional sitcoms, Spitting Image employs an episodic structure that doesn't rely heavily on interconnected storylines or character development. Each episode is more like a series of skits that offers the audience a comic take on the latest events and news. The show is basically a fast-paced, modern form of puppet theatre that provides a light-hearted yet insightful reflection of politics and society.

Throughout its original tenure, Spitting Image was adorned with top-notch voice artists and puppeteers who breathed life into the caricatures. The talented artists employed a perfect blend of unique voice modulation and impeccable puppetry, effectively giving the sense of watching an animated sitcom rather than a puppet show.

Notoriously famous during its heyday, the show attracted a massive audience that lapped up its brand of humor. Indeed, the influence of Spitting Image resonated so far and wide that the punchlines, caricatures, and satirical jokes became a prominent part of British pop culture and beyond. The series was a unique phenomenon that struck a chord with its viewers, leaving an indelible imprint on the television landscape.

Overall, Spitting Image from Britbox (1984-1996) is nothing short of a televisual sensation. It is a fearless, pioneering comedy programme that bridges between political satire, societal parody, and puppet theater. With its no-holds-barred humor and valuable comedic commentary on society, Spitting Image continues to be celebrated as an iconic, one-of-a-kind television experience that transformed the way comedy was presented on the small screen. Whether you are an ardent fan of political satire or just enjoy a unique take on comedy, this show promises to entertain, astonish, and amuse you in equal measure. Watching Spitting Image is akin to stepping into a fascinating world where the puppets take center stage, dismantling the powerful through laughter.